The Policy & Practice of Climate Change & Water

The #BlueLineBonn

A group of national governments including Germany, the Netherlands, and Morocco, along with AGWA, SIWI, and members of the #ClimateIsWater Initiative are rallying together at this year's COP under the banner of the #BlueLineBonn -- symbolic of water's value as a connecting thread throughout all climate dialogue. COP23 took place in Bonn, Germany along the banks of the Rhine River -- the original Blue Line in Bonn. Read below to find out how water was represented throughout COP23 and beyond.

Position Papers from the AGWA Policy Group

The Policy Group, coordinated by SIWI, prepared two position papers in advance of COP23 connecting climate with this year's focal SDGs -- 2 (Food) and 11 (Cities) -- through the medium of water.

The 23rd Session of the Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP23) was held in Bonn, Germany from November 6 to 17, 2017. Fiji is presiding over COP23 with the support of the government of Germany.

Fiji is the first Small Island Developing State (SIDS) to assume the Presidency of the UNFCCC COP process, representing an opportunity to voice the important vulnerabilities and challenges facing SIDS and other coastal areas.

The central aim of COP23 is to move forward on the implementation of the Paris Climate Agreement and forge a grand coalition to accelerate climate action before 2020 (and beyond). This includes negotiations on the implementation guidelines for transparent climate action under the agreement as well as showcasing cooperative climate action, including on vulnerability and resilience, with examples from around the globe.

"Fiji's vision for COP23 is...to forge a grand coalition to accelerate climate action before 2020 and beyond, between civil society, the scientific community, the private sector and all levels of government, including cities and regions. I repeat: We are all vulnerable and we all need to act."

Frank Bainimarama, Prime Minister of Fiji and incoming COP23 President

One Conference -- Two Zones

A new and innovative conference concept has been developed for COP 23 which is designed to serve as an example for future climate change conferences. With the “one conference - two zones” concept, COP 23 will highlight the importance of climate activities undertaken by various non-government players and supplement the negotiations and concrete action.

The zone named the Bula Zone by the Fiji Presidency comprises the World Conference Center Bonn (WCCB) and the UN Campus - extended with temporary structures. It will accommodate the plenary halls, meeting rooms, delegation offices, and media facilities. The Bula Zone will host the climate negotiations. The Bonn Zone will host global climate action events including high-level events, side events and media events, as well as exhibitions and delegation pavilions. It is located in the Rheinaue Park near the main southern entrance where temporary structures will also be built.

Governments, representatives of local authorities, Federal States and non-government players such as NGOs, representatives from the business community, industry, the scientific community and other parts of civil society will have the opportunity to present their climate action initiatives and projects. The objective is to give various players a platform to demonstrate that promising activities are being implemented globally to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to climate change and make the transition towards a sustainable society.

See the full venue map here.

Bula Zone

Bonn Zone

The #BlueLineBonn

COP23 will feature hundreds of official and unofficial events. Below we are highlighting events that emphasize the importance of water in the climate negotiations. AGWA, SIWI, and Policy Group members are contributing to a number of these, as you can see in this summarized schedule. Others are organized by various members of the water community. We can all agree that #ClimateIsWater!

A list of official side events and exhibits in the accredited UNFCCC Bula Zone can be found on the UNFCCC website. The calendar of GCA events during COP 23 is available online, including detailed programs for each Action Day. Please note that all Pavilions are located in the Bonn Zone.

COP23 will feature hundreds of official and unofficial events. Below we are highlighting events that emphasize the importance of water in the climate negotiations. AGWA, SIWI, and Policy Group members are contributing to a number of these, as you can see in this summarized schedule. Others are organized by various members of the water community. We can all agree that #ClimateIsWater!

A list of official side events and exhibits in the accredited UNFCCC Bula Zone can be found on the UNFCCC website. The calendar of GCA events during COP 23 is available online, including detailed programs for each Action Day. Please note that all Pavilions are located in the Bonn Zone.

A low carbon, low energy water sector: scaling up from project to programmatic approaches

The urban water sector can make a significant contribution to meet the NDCs, while building a circular economy. Experiences from utilities on their path to carbon neutrality can be leveraged towards upscaling a holistic approach into programmes balancing policy, regulatory and capacity and economic aspects through participatory stakeholder engagement. In this session the knowledge platform ‘carbon neutrality for urban water’ will be launched which supports the transition of drinking water and wastewater utilities. Inspiring case studies will illustrate innovative technologies and business models, as well as lessons learned and best practices from pioneering utilities in both developed and emerging economies.

Imagine our world with +4°C: Coping with the impacts of climate change on water for SDG 6, 11 & 14

By showcasing +4°C scenarios, this event will demonstrate why sticking to the +2°C objective is absolutely vital. Bringing together scientists, decision makers and civil society, it will specifically reflect on water issues within this undesirable +4°C world and on our capacity to adapt. It will present specific case studies on freshwater and oceans, including their interlinkages, and provide specific focus on particularly vulnerable areas such as coastal cities. Strong efforts need to be undertaken to interlink SDGs 6 (Water), 11 (Cities) & 14 (Oceans).

Our Common Home: Land, Oceans and Water-Food-Ecosystem Resilience in the Mid-Latitude Region

Sustainably managed ecosystems foster climate resilience, water management and food security. Land and oceans integrity, Water-Food-Ecosystem resilience in the Mid-Latitude region are essential to achieve SDGs. The event promotes land and oceans protection and the water-food-ecosystem nexus.

Making robust investment decisions under deep uncertainty: a new approach to sustainable development planning in uncertain world

Traditionally, development planning and investment decisions have heavily counted on our ability to accurately forecast future state of economy and environment, in a belief that there should be “optimal” options under the forecast conditions. However, the recent trend of trying to adapt development planning to climate change has led to a growing recognition that this is a formidable task. We face deep uncertainty under changing climate and fast-changing world.

This session sheds light on a new school of thoughts and practices for sustainable development planning under deep uncertainty. It will begin with a brief introduction to the concept of Decision Making under Uncertainty (DMU), followed by presentations on case studies of applying the new approach to investment decisions for climate resilient infrastructure. An additional presentation and panel discussion will explore the potential application of the Decision Making under Deep Uncertainty concept to a broader set of issues involving uncertainty and complexity, such as long-term development planning for low-emission, climate resilient and sustainable futures, crisis management or conflict resolution.

Youth for Water and Climate

At CoP22, the actions of the Youth for Water and Climate (JEC) were presented at the OIF Pavilion following the announcement by the Government of Québec concerning the granting of funds for the fight against climate change through the Green Fund. For CoP23, JEC is proud to present the new web platform facilitating the implementation of youth projects linked to the White Paper, in addition to announcing the first pilot projects in West Africa to be carried out thanks to funding announced by the Government of Quebec at COP22. In addition, this side event will be the official launch of the association of the Youth for Water and Climate which aims to mobilize young people to make their voices heard in the major decision-making bodies.

The critical role of water, sanitation and hygiene in climate change adaptation

People cannot adapt to climate change without reliable water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH). Countries should include WASH in their adaptation plans and invest more climate finance in WASH to build communities’ resilience and help ensure the world’s most vulnerable people are not left behind.

Nature-Based Solutions for an Uncertain Future?

Effective country-driven climate change adaptation reflects the importance of water management in reducing vulnerability and building climate resilience. Over 90% of I/NDCs refer to water management as a key response to climate change impacts. Climate resilience is strengthened through healthy ecosystem services that provide natural pathways to adaptation. Adapting to climate change relies on well-functioning river basins that provide key economic and environmental services for freshwater and marine ecosystems.

This event will focus on the challenge of identifying scalable natural solutions to adapt to climate change, and how to raise the necessary financial and technical capital for natural infrastructure adaptation solutions. Panellists will respond to presentations followed by active discussion with the audience.

This event will be the opportunity for the sharing of experiences and good practices for adaptation of water and sanitation services to climate change, in order to foster collaboration and research with all water and climate stakeholders.

In this session, speakers will highlight the direct impacts of climate change on water and sanitation services in developing countries based on concrete examples from African countries and small islands developing states and discuss the solutions undertaken. Participants will also be invited to provide their feedback and comments on the presentations and share their own experience.

Reaching SDG 6 in the Context of Climate Change in the MENA Region

The World Bank's recent report on the water situation in the MENA region highlights the region's challenges in providing clean water and access to sanitation services. With 60% of its population living in areas with high or very high water stress for surface water, compared to around 35% globally, the MENA region is not spared climate change that exacerbates the situation. In order to preserve the stability and growth of the region, it is becoming increasingly urgent to improve water governance in the region and to initiate innovative and region-specific measures for mitigation and mitigation. adaptation of water to climate change.

This event aims to engage in a specific agenda for water and climate change in the MENA region while sensitizing the international community on the problems related to financing. It will be moderated by AGWA Co-Chair Maggie White of SIWI.

When: Thursday, 9 November; 15:00-16:30Venue: Moroccan PavilionOrganizers: Sanitation and Water for All (SWA), the World Bank, the Kingdom of Morocco (Secretary State in charge of Water)

Whether it is the absence of knowledge or lack of appropriate access to knowledge or the disconnect between knowledge holders and beneficiaries, climate change adaptation knowledge gaps have been consistently identified as a formidable barrier to successful adaptation actions. The Lima Adaptation Knowledge Initiative (LAKI), a collaborative effort between the UNFCCC Nairobi work programme (NWP) and the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), is designed to help identify and close such adaptation knowledge gaps in various subregions of the world.

The side event will highlight the outcomes of the first phase of LAKI in prioritizing and closing climate change adaptation knowledge gaps in six subregions, and discuss the implementation of next phase of the LAKI in enabling adaptation action in subregions and areas of vulnerabilities.

International Cooperation of France in the Field of Water: Basin management for adaptation to climate change

The event will present cooperation projects developed between basin organizations of France and of other countries, particularly in Africa, East Asia and Latin America. These projects aim at optimal management of water resources in a context of climate change, by implementing tools and methodologies of the French model of integrated management at basin level.

The themes of the "Paris Pact" of the Alliance of Basins for Climate Action will be discussed: Capacity building in knowledge; Adaptation of basin planning to climate change; Strengthening governance; Financing

Nature-based solutions for water and adaptation to climate change

Multifunctional, Nature-based Solutions can simultaneously increase the resilience of the territories to climate risks, be beneficial for biodiversity and respond to other societal challenges such as the protection of drinking water access, food sovereignty, health. This session aims at fostering discussions on the role of nature-based solutions alongside conventional solutions and at identifying how to exert a leverage effect at all levels. This session will help raise awareness among climate actors, including donors, on this type of solutions that are still too often ignored or underestimated

Small Island States and Territories: Coping with the Impacts of Climate Change on Water

Island territories are particularly vulnerable to climate change, with the increase of extreme climatic events, including droughts, floods, hurricanes, sea level rise and pressures on water resources which lead to environmental and socioeconomic consequences. The event will therefore present the current and projected situation in relation to water management in islands territories and discuss the adaptation measures to protect water resources and therefore safeguard water uses in a context of climate change.

Side Event on the Perspectives of the Incubation Platform of the Global Alliances for Water and Climate (GAWCIP)

Launched in the aftermath of COP22 with the support of the French Ministry for the Environment, the Incubation Platform provided technical assistance to 6 projects to produce "bankable" project proposals from the donor's perspective and list the investments required for climate actions, with considerable financial leverage (several million euros for a rather modest initial financial support limited to € 50,000 per project). This makes it possible to reduce the gap between climate finance donors (who struggle to find good projects) and developers of mitigation and adaptation project in the field of water (which ignore the technical and financial procedures and requirements of donors or struggling to meet them).

This round table will make it possible to take stock of this first phase of incubation and to engage the stakeholders (donors and project promoters) on a second phase.

Water Action Day

Following the success of the first Water Action Day at COP22, this year’s Water Day events are designed to build on our achievements in mainstreaming water into the global climate action agenda, enabling climate and water actors and their allies to learn from one another and engage as full partners in achieving a sustainable and resilient climate future for all people.

Given water’s role as an essential connector between sectors, this year’s program has been developed with our allies in other focal areas including Agriculture, Energy, Cities, Industry, Oceans, Biodiversity and Gender, and is focused on exploring the critical linkages between water and the global climate adaptation, mitigation and finance agendas. Through high-level panel discussions and breakout sessions designed to connect participants from multiple sectors, these events will highlight the innovative work being done by our partners on the ground and facilitate opportunities for increased collaboration moving forward.

Climate Action for Improved Water Management

Water is key for adaptation and mitigation and thus needs to be central in implementation of the Paris agreement. The side event will demonstrate recent tools, approaches and good practices in adaptive water management and climate financing for water. Speakers will present case studies reviewing methods for adaptive management of water systems with focus on food security, health, and DRR. A panel will discuss science-policy capacity to estimate water demands focusing on vulnerability, responses, tools, good practices for financing adaptation in water resources, and water scarcity.

Oceans, Seashores and Small Islands

Islands and seashores are the sentinels of climate change. Populations, local and national governments as well as non-state actors are building solutions in both adaptation and attenuation to simultaneously tackle climate change and ensure better resilience in their water and sanitation, food, energy systems. In these solutions, preparedness, circular economy and cooperation are playing a key part.

In the continuation of the "OCEAN: keys for ACTION" initiative and in the "Climate: OCEAN objectives" multi-stakeholders mobilization, the objectives of this session are: to review the process of the framework for action initiated in RIo+20, and also to benefits from experiences in the Pacific, Indian and Atlantic Ocean; to outline the progress from COP22 and MedCOP process to COP23 and beyond; and, to make proposals for a more effective finance and action at territorial scale taking benefits from already running actions and coalitions.

The Water-Energy Nexus: Promoting Equitable and Sustainable Use and Management of Water and Energy Resources for All

This partnership event will present and discuss the role of the hydroelectric sector in a low carbon economy, highlighting the leadership of the sector in the face of climate change. The importance of maintaining ecosystem services when generating hydroelectric power will link the conversation around the implementation of the Paris Agreement and SDGs 6 and 7.

Topics to be discussed during the event will include the disruptive technologies and the integrated resource management used in the hydroelectric sector, helping to create a sustainable future; the leadership role of the hydroelectric sector in sustainable development in a changing environment; the CEO Water Mandate, a special initiative of the UN Secretary General and the UN Global Compact, as a governance model leading hydroelectric power plants to high-standard sustainability achievements.

Oceans & Coastal Zones Action Day

Following the conclusion of Global Climate Action's (GCA) thematic "Water Day" (10 Nov.) and the "Oceans & Coastal Zones" Day (11 Nov.), this event will provide initial reflections and reactions from SIWI's Executive Director, Mr. Torgny Holmgren as well as the Vice Mayor for Environment of the City of Stockholm, Katarina Luhr. This sit-down interview will be broadcast live via Facebook.

In a context of climate change, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services are strongly impacted by natural disasters. Ensuring rapid recovery of WASH services as well as designing systems that address earlier vulnerabilities is fundamental for the concerned populations. The event will provide a state of play on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and present DRR practices implemented by humanitarian actors in the field of WASH. Recommendations for humanitarian, development and climate change practitioners will be shared to better integrate DRR approaches into WASH national and local strategies.

Water for Africa Initiative | 6th edition of the King Hassan II World Water Prize (a two-part event)

This side event is comprised of two sessions: "Water for Africa" and "6th Edition of the King Hassan II World Water Prize." In the first session, guests will hear about the state of water in Africa followed by a debate. The second session will include presentations related to the King Hassan II Great World Water Prize, which will be awarded during the 8th World Water Forum in Brasilia.

When: Saturday, 11 November; 15:00-16:30Venue: Moroccan PavilionOrganizers: State Secretariat for Water of Morocco, African Development Bank, World Water Council

The Global Climate Action Day on Human Settlements will take place on 11 Nov. The Opening of the Human Settlements Day features a session on exploring linkages with energy, transport, water, land use and ocean and coastal zones.. During the opening session Torgny Holmgren, Executive Director of SIWI, will report back on the Water Action Day (10 Nov.) and the interlinkages between the two Action Days. This will provide an opportunity to present outcomes from the Water Day, particularly those related to issues around Human Settlements. Representatives from other GCA tracks will present as well.

Café speed-networking: French water actors and climate actors

This networking event is designed to bring together French water actors and climate actors. During this session, these participants will be able to exchange around operational projects in an effort to collaborate and share ideas for climate and water solutions. This event has limited seating. Interested parties should RSVP.

Reflections on GCA's Water and Ocean Days

Following the conclusion of Global Climate Action's (GCA) thematic "Water Day" (10 Nov.) and the "Oceans & Coastal Zones" Day (11 Nov.), this event will provide initial reflections and reactions from SIWI's Executive Director, Mr. Torgny Holmgren as well as the Vice Mayor for Environment of the City of Stockholm, Katarina Luhr. This sit-down interview will be broadcast live via Facebook.

Formulating a flexible legal framework for Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) in the context of water

This session adopts a multi-disciplinary and multi-level lens to provide an overview of adaptive governance in relation to shared water resources in the face of climate change. The aim of this meeting is to promote Ecosystem-based Adaptation as a viable tool to enable sovereign states to cooperate and to jointly manage water resources and adapt to, but also mitigate, the effects of climate change most effectively, by bridging the gap between different sectors and providing a more holistic management of resources. This session provides a platform for discussion of climate change adaptation in the context of shared resources. Lastly, this session aims to identify the best practices in terms of legal and policy instruments which enable Ecosystem-based Adaptation to climate change.

NDCs and National Adaptation Plans (NAP’s) provide an excellent opportunity to influence adaptation pathways at the local, national and regional levels in ways that contribute to Sustainable Development Goals and that ramp up adaptation ambition in ways that support and make use of the natural environment. This moderated panel discussion will explore opportunities and challenges nations face as they increase their national ambition on adaptation, fulfill their adaptation NDCs and develop National Adaptation Plans.

Sponge Cities - How Cities Can Adapt to Climate Change

Cities are comprised of concrete, glass, and steel -- often repelling heat and absorbing water. To manage rainwater and deal with heat, some areas are turning to the idea of becoming "sponge cities." The sponge city strategy aims to keep water where it lands and imitate the natural water cycle through innovative stormwater management, urban wetlands, green roofs, and other nature-based solutions. This side event will examine the sponge city approach as a means of urban adaptation to climate change.

Financing water security and adaptation in NDC implementation

This press briefing is coordinated by Global Water Partnership (GWP). It will be led by GWP's Chair Oyun Sanjaasuren and include other GWP partners. The event will feature panel discussions on pressing issues related to financing NDC implementation and adaptation efforts as a means of achieving water security. Key messages and outcomes from Water Action Day will also be presented.

South Asia's Hotspots: Impacts of Temperature and Precipitation Changes on Living Standards

This event will focus on the new World Bank report South Asia's Hotspots, which brings new research on the impacts of climate change in South Asia by analyzing how rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns affect living standards. Speakers and panelists will examine the outcomes of the report and draw conclusions about how to improve the resilience of hotspots throughout South Asia and beyond.

Water – vital for climate action: towards strengthened NDCs

The main impacts of climate change are felt through changes in water. Water plays a key role in NDCs and is the most prioritized adaptation sector. Many NDCs also stress the role of water in mitigation through GHG reductions from energy use and wastewater handling. However, the way in which NDCs treat water related adaptation and mitigation actions varies immensely. There is a strong need to raise awareness and specify the role of water to accelerate climate action and sustainable development at the national level. This side event analyzes the Status Quo of NDCs. It develops recommendations for the water and climate policy communities on how to enhance the potential in NDCs, and develop bankable projects with concrete water related mitigation and adaptation measures that contribute to both the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda. Morocco, Jordan and Peru will highlight innovative approaches to advance adaptation and mitigation actions in the water sector and raise ambitions in NDCs.

*The Interconnections Zone is five minutes away from the Bula Zone. It is located at: German Development Institute (DIE) Tulpenfeld 6 53113 Bonn

From Adaptation in NDCs to Bankable Climate Projects: The key role of the Water Cycle

It is widely recognized that water plays a main role in transmitting the impacts of climate change to societies and ecosystems. Accordingly, many countries prioritize water, particularly for adaptation, through their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). However, the way in which water is treated in NDCs varies and does not always provide the ground for the identification of tangible project ideas, which could eventually become eligible for climate finance.

The side event compares the perspectives of climate finance institutions and vulnerable recipient countries with the objective to improve the common understanding. Based on an input by the BMZ division on water, urban development and mobility, the event will discuss approaches for improving the role of water in NDCs. The results will contribute to an overarching water and climate change discussion process on possible ways forward including the need for respective sector guidelines.

From Adaptation in NDCs to Bankable Climate Projects: The key role of the Water Cycle

It is widely recognized that water plays a main role in transmitting the impacts of climate change to societies and ecosystems. Accordingly, many countries prioritize water, particularly for adaptation, through their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). However, the way in which water is treated in NDCs varies and does not always provide the ground for the identification of tangible project ideas, which could eventually become eligible for climate finance.

The side event compares the perspectives of climate finance institutions and vulnerable recipient countries with the objective to improve the common understanding. Based on an input by the BMZ division on water, urban development and mobility, the event will discuss approaches for improving the role of water in NDCs. The results will contribute to an overarching water and climate change discussion process on possible ways forward including the need for respective sector guidelines.

Description: Building stronger links and coherence between climate change adaptation (CCA) and disaster risk reduction (DRR) policy, practice and knowledge communities is more important than ever in wake of recent devastating extreme weather- and climate related events across Europe and elsewhere. Closer cooperation, including better policy alignment, increased knowledge and innovative solutions will be crucial to reduce the impacts of weather- and climate-related hazards like floods, heatwaves, forest fires, or storm surges. Relevant EU policies on CCA and DRR will be introduced; ecosystem-based approaches to CCA and DRR will be highlighted and key messages from recent assessment reports published by the EEA and by DG JRC will be presented. This will be followed by a moderated discussion with the panellists and the audience.

Climate Change - Water - Sanitation

The GIZ Water and Sanitation Program in Benin invites you to its side event taking place in Bonn at GIZ offices outside of the COP23 venue. The event will present films and teaching materials as well as engaging discussion on wastewater reduction, "water school," and pedagogical support. Organizers hope to raise awareness and share training material to look towards solutions on WASH issues as they relate to climate change.

Water and Climate Change in Europe - Visions for the European Regional Report of the World Water Forum 2018

Climate change is one of the six themes of the World Water Forum 2018 and the overall situation of Water adaptation to climate change will be assessed in the European Region Report, under preparation. This side event will present information on the development of such a report and its preliminary conclusions. Participants are invited to jointly present experiences and case studies as inputs for the report and the session currently being designed.

Opening Plenary - A scene setter with high level speakers, noting the challenges & solutions that water policy & science offers to address climate change. There will be statements on joint progress since COP22 and insights on how to move forward implementing the SDG agenda and the Paris Agreement.

Breakout Session 1: Water knowledge to respond to climate uncertainty - This session features a diverse group of panelists sharing experiences & best practices for how to develop decision support systems, modeling tools, efficient monitoring networks, databases and Water Information Systems (WIS) to support & expand the integration of water science & policy knowledge.

Breakout Session 2: Water for urban resilience - This interactive session will feature panelists from multiple sectors discussing new ways to mobilize urban and coastal communities, government officials, and the private sector around building resilient, climate and water smart cities, with a particular focus on the most vulnerable populations.

Breakout Session 3: Water for sustainable agriculture and food security - A showcase of exemplary projects delivering clear results to improve water & food security in a changing climate. It covers topics including climate-specific modernization of large irrigation schemes, conjunctive use of surface & groundwater, and improved land and soil management strategies.

Closing Plenary - The closing plenary presents the key messages delivered throughout the Water Action Day. Parties to UNFCCC will be invited to reflect on the outcomes of the sessions and suggest ways of moving forward and enhancing collaboration within the UNFCCC process, its programs, and on the ground.